Playmakers Autumn Classic 8K Run/Walk

The Playmakers Autumn Classic Race is a treasured mid-Michigan fall tradition for runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. Now in its 25th year, the brilliant fall colors around Lake Lansing create a spectacular environment that includes local parks and neighborhoods. There is something for everyone:

• 8K run/walk
• 1 & 2 mile walks
• Champion-chip timing
• Long-sleeve technical shirt
• Free Kid's Fun Runs (short-sleeve t-shirts can be ordered for $10)
• Free & exciting Children's Activities - organized fun activities, crafts and healthy snacks for those under 12
• Delightful refreshments – including our famous soup
• Charity Partner: Special Olympics Michigan Area 8

For information on teams, the 12th Annual Sponsor-A-Champ campaign (in conjunction with the Autumn Classic for Area 8 Special Olympics), and optional fundraising for individuals and teams, please see below. 

Location: The start and finish are in the beautiful Lake Lansing Park North, 6260 E. Lake Drive, Haslett. Rain or shine. Strollers and dogs on leashes are welcome.

Times: 8:30 a.m.— Free kids run. 9:00 a.m. — 8K run/walk. 9:05 a.m.—1 and 2 mile walks.

Entry Fee: Please click on "Entry Fee" to find out the entry fee's via date for each event. Entry fee includes a Brooks long-sleeve technical t-shirt, electronic timing, refreshments and parking.

Registration: Online: runsignup.com/autumnclassic, in person, or mail to Playmakers, 2299 W. Grand River, Okemos, MI 48864.  Make checks payable to: Playmakers Fitness Foundation.

Packet Pick-Up: Saturday (9/29) — 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Playmakers, or Sunday (9/30) — 7:30-8:30 a.m. at Lake Lansing Park North.

Free Kids Warm-Up and Run: 8:30 a.m. — 1/2 mile fun run (12and under). 50-yard dash (6 and under). Medals for all finishers. Kid’s t-shirts can be ordered for $10.

Free Kids Activities: 9:00 - 10:30 — Organized fun activities, crafts and healthy snacks (ages 12 and under). A parent or their designee must be with the child/children; pre-registration helpful by Friday 9/22. 

Divisions: 8K men’s and women’s: 14 and under; 15-19; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54;55-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70-74; 75-79; 80+.

Special Awards: to overall, masters, grand masters, and the top 5 in each age division. The 8K walk, 1 and 2 mile walks are noncompetitive (no awards). Medals for all Special Olympian finishers.

Teams: Form a team of 5 or more to compete for 4 awards

11th Annual Sponsor-A-Champ Campaign: details under "Make a Donation"

Special Pricing: Family and student rates are available within the registration process. 

RACE DAY TIMELINE
7:30 - 8:30 Packet Pick-Up and Registration
7:45 - 8:15 Team Sign-In at the Playmakers Race Truck
8:30 - FREE - Kids Warm-Up, 1/2 Mile Fun Run & Kids 50- yard dash
9:00 - 8K Run/Walk AND 1 and 2 miles Non-Competitive Walks
9:00 - 10:30 FREE Kids Activities (Pre-register recommended by Friday 9/22)
9:45 - Runners Awards Posted and Prizes Ready for Pick-Up
10:30 - Team Awards

Autumn Classic Loves TEAMS

Looking for a way to get active, have fun and support Special Olympics? Form a team! Train for the race with your friends, family, and coworkers. There is no limit to the number of people you may have on your team. Team members can choose the 8K Run/ Walk or the 1 or 2 Mile Walk.

In addition to all the encouragement and camaraderie that comes from being on a team, groups are also eligible for exclusive TEAM AWARDS:

• Largest Team: Most people!
• Highest Fundraising Team: Most dollars raised- collectively.
• Fastest Team: 5 must complete the race; fastest 3 times determine the team score.
• “Bucky” Worden Team Spirit: Inspired by 35 years of Special Olympic team experiences, this award will be presented to the team that exemplifies the greatest sportsmanship, teamwork, and joy!

To create or join a team, click on the Join or Create a Team tab OR enter on the paper registration form. Team captains should contact Alicia Armstrong for a Team Information Kit – (Alicia@playmakers or 517.282.5035)

Optional Fundraising Opportunities for Individuals and Teams:

Individuals: Prize packages will be awarded to the top 5 individual fundraisers ($400 minimum); packages will be selected by the winners, beginning with the highest to 5th place. For prize eligibility, fundraising
packets must be received at Playmakers by Saturday, September 29, 2017 at 6:00 p.m.

2017 Individual Fundraising Prize Packages: (2018 will be updated summer 2018)
1. 2017 MSU Football Package for 2: includes game tickets - MSU vs Northwestern (Oct. 28, 2017) , deluxe Dean motor coach transportation and pre-game tailgate festivities.

2. 2017 Lansing Lugnuts Baseball Package for 2: Tickets to the game of your choice, Nut House gift certificate and one night and breakfast at the Radisson Hotel.

3. 2017-18 MSU Men's Basketball Package for 2: Tickets to the game of your choice, MSU Bookstore Gift Certificate for Spartan Gear and a Coral Gables gift certificate

4. Golf Package for 4: Two rounds (18 holes) of golf with a cart at Eagle Eye and Hawk Island with two gift certificates to Jimmy's Pub

5. $300 Playmakers Gift Certificate and a personalized Good Form Running/Walking Session

Team Fundraising Award: Most dollars raised collectively by team members will recieve a team award, including a $250 Pizza House gift certificate!

The Winners will be announced at the Autumn Classic!

 The Autumn Classic Charity Partner is Special Olympics Michigan Area 8

Special Olympics Michigan Area 8 (Ingham and Eaton Counties) provides quality, year-round sports training and an athletic-competition program for more than 4300 children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Our athletes train and compete in 22 Olympic-type sports.

Special Olympics Michigan Area 8 is a volunteer, non-profit organization that does not receive federal or state funding. All funds are raised in our local communities and spent on local athletes. The money is used for equipment, uniforms, transportation, facilities, health appraisals, training, games registration, and other athlete needs. No fees are charged to the participating athletes or their families.

Donate Online or Paper Packet